Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

[Guest guest]

To: egroups

Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2000 13:33:10 -0500

Reply-to: egroups

Subject: Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

How can the TDH Regional Office in Arlington be contacted for this? I realize

their offices were wiped out in the tornado..

Thanks,

Mike

Jim Arnold wrote:

> *****PARAMEDIC EXAMINATION COMPROMISED******

>

> All written examinations for Paramedic certification/licensure,

> retests and recertification have been suspended as of 4:00 p.m.

> yesterday. Bootleg copies of the examination have been found

> circulating in several cities of the state among various paramedic

> classes. Arrangements have been made to distribute a new exam

> and candidates will be notified of rescheduled testing dates as soon

> as possible by the regional offices.

> Investigators are close to identifying all persons involved in this

> serious, breech-of-honor violation and the department will seek to

> revoke the certifications in every case.

> We apologize for any inconvenience this action may cause you

> or your employer. If you have been scheduled to take the paramedic

> test anytime in the next few weeks, contact your regional office

> for rescheduling information.

> Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

> Bureau of Emergency Management

> Texas Department of Health

> (512) 834 - 6700

> jim.arnold@...

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

Bureau of Emergency Management

Texas Department of Health

(512) 834 - 6700

jim.arnold@...

[Guest guest]

Arrangements are being made to set up a telephone number for the

Arlington staff. Until then, all persons residing in PHR 3

should contact Cargile in Abilene at or Jerry

Bradshaw in Wichita Falls at .

To: egroups

Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2000 13:33:10 -0500

Reply-to: egroups

Subject: Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

How can the TDH Regional Office in Arlington be contacted for this? I realize

their offices were wiped out in the tornado..

Thanks,

Mike

Jim Arnold wrote:

> *****PARAMEDIC EXAMINATION COMPROMISED******

>

> All written examinations for Paramedic certification/licensure,

> retests and recertification have been suspended as of 4:00 p.m.

> yesterday. Bootleg copies of the examination have been found

> circulating in several cities of the state among various paramedic

> classes. Arrangements have been made to distribute a new exam

> and candidates will be notified of rescheduled testing dates as soon

> as possible by the regional offices.

> Investigators are close to identifying all persons involved in this

> serious, breech-of-honor violation and the department will seek to

> revoke the certifications in every case.

> We apologize for any inconvenience this action may cause you

> or your employer. If you have been scheduled to take the paramedic

> test anytime in the next few weeks, contact your regional office

> for rescheduling information.

> Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

> Bureau of Emergency Management

> Texas Department of Health

> (512) 834 - 6700

> jim.arnold@...

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

> Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

> Install today:

> http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954869541/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

Install today:

http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954873156/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

Bureau of Emergency Management

Texas Department of Health

(512) 834 - 6700

jim.arnold@...

[Guest guest]

Hopefully, the new exam will be available in just a few days but we

will make appropriate accomodations for those who are caught in a

bind.

To: <egroups>

Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2000 13:43:42 -0500

Reply-to: egroups

Subject: RE: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

Are they planning additional extensions for those whose 90-days will run out

in the interim?

Trey Wood

TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

*****PARAMEDIC EXAMINATION COMPROMISED******

All written examinations for Paramedic certification/licensure,

retests and recertification have been suspended as of 4:00 p.m.

yesterday. Bootleg copies of the examination have been found

circulating in several cities of the state among various paramedic

classes. Arrangements have been made to distribute a new exam

and candidates will be notified of rescheduled testing dates as soon

as possible by the regional offices.

Investigators are close to identifying all persons involved in this

serious, breech-of-honor violation and the department will seek to

revoke the certifications in every case.

We apologize for any inconvenience this action may cause you

or your employer. If you have been scheduled to take the paramedic

test anytime in the next few weeks, contact your regional office

for rescheduling information.

Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

Bureau of Emergency Management

Texas Department of Health

(512) 834 - 6700

jim.arnold@...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

Install today:

http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954869541/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

Install today:

http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954873822/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

Bureau of Emergency Management

Texas Department of Health

(512) 834 - 6700

jim.arnold@...

[Guest guest]

How can the TDH Regional Office in Arlington be contacted for this? I realize

their offices were wiped out in the tornado..

Thanks,

Mike

Jim Arnold wrote:

> *****PARAMEDIC EXAMINATION COMPROMISED******

>

> All written examinations for Paramedic certification/licensure,

> retests and recertification have been suspended as of 4:00 p.m.

> yesterday. Bootleg copies of the examination have been found

> circulating in several cities of the state among various paramedic

> classes. Arrangements have been made to distribute a new exam

> and candidates will be notified of rescheduled testing dates as soon

> as possible by the regional offices.

> Investigators are close to identifying all persons involved in this

> serious, breech-of-honor violation and the department will seek to

> revoke the certifications in every case.

> We apologize for any inconvenience this action may cause you

> or your employer. If you have been scheduled to take the paramedic

> test anytime in the next few weeks, contact your regional office

> for rescheduling information.

> Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

> Bureau of Emergency Management

> Texas Department of Health

> (512) 834 - 6700

> jim.arnold@...

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

> Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

> Install today:

> http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954869541/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Are they planning additional extensions for those whose 90-days will run out

in the interim?

Trey Wood

TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

*****PARAMEDIC EXAMINATION COMPROMISED******

All written examinations for Paramedic certification/licensure,

retests and recertification have been suspended as of 4:00 p.m.

yesterday. Bootleg copies of the examination have been found

circulating in several cities of the state among various paramedic

classes. Arrangements have been made to distribute a new exam

and candidates will be notified of rescheduled testing dates as soon

as possible by the regional offices.

Investigators are close to identifying all persons involved in this

serious, breech-of-honor violation and the department will seek to

revoke the certifications in every case.

We apologize for any inconvenience this action may cause you

or your employer. If you have been scheduled to take the paramedic

test anytime in the next few weeks, contact your regional office

for rescheduling information.

Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

Bureau of Emergency Management

Texas Department of Health

(512) 834 - 6700

jim.arnold@...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

Install today:

http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954869541/

------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

This is a question concerning the exam.....as of last friday @ 1pm I had

found out that I had passed my paramedic exam taken on the 28th of March.

Does this mean that I have to retake the exam or does this just concern the

applicants who are taking the paramedic exam this coming month?????

Randall EMT-P

[Guest guest]

It has always been my understanding that these tests were kept under lock

and key at all time. How did copies of these test get out? I know that

it's hard to even remember what was on the test when someone ask you about

it after taking in.

Just wondering.

TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

>

>

> *****PARAMEDIC EXAMINATION COMPROMISED******

>

> All written examinations for Paramedic certification/licensure,

>retests and recertification have been suspended as of 4:00 p.m.

>yesterday. Bootleg copies of the examination have been found

>circulating in several cities of the state among various paramedic

>classes. Arrangements have been made to distribute a new exam

>and candidates will be notified of rescheduled testing dates as soon

>as possible by the regional offices.

> Investigators are close to identifying all persons involved in this

>serious, breech-of-honor violation and the department will seek to

>revoke the certifications in every case.

> We apologize for any inconvenience this action may cause you

>or your employer. If you have been scheduled to take the paramedic

>test anytime in the next few weeks, contact your regional office

>for rescheduling information.

>Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

>Bureau of Emergency Management

>Texas Department of Health

>(512) 834 - 6700

>jim.arnold@...

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

>Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

>Install today:

>http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954869541/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

>Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

>Install today:

>http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954873822/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>Jim Arnold, Assistant Bureau Chief

>Bureau of Emergency Management

>Texas Department of Health

>(512) 834 - 6700

>jim.arnold@...

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

>Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

>Install today:

>http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954876317/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

[Guest guest]

I don't know if my first message made it to the list or not, but here

it is again.

The state test is kept under lock and key at all times. What is

circulating among the ranks out there is a compilation of questions

and answers from the state test and not an actual copy of the state

test that is given at the test sites. I will not go into details on

how they got these questions and answers, but I will say that we are

aggressively looking into the matter and we will find the person(s)

involved. This is a violation of the EMS rules and will not be

tolerated.

If you have any information as to people who may have this copy or

copies please feel free to give me a call at or email me

privately, but please do not email the list with the information. I

would prefer a phone call so that no accidental slip of the mouse

occurs and the whole world see's your information. All information

gained during this investigation will remain confidential.

The people who have already taken the state exam prior to the exam

being called off will not have to take the exam over again. The exam

for EMT-P's will resume as soon as possible.

Thanks Chris

> It has always been my understanding that these tests were kept

under lock

> and key at all time. How did copies of these test get out? I know

that

> it's hard to even remember what was on the test when someone ask

you about

> it after taking in.

>

> Just wondering.

[Guest guest]

Chris:

I can tell you how they get these because I have overheard certain other

coordinators brag about the method.

Several schools I could, but won't, mention by name, prearrange for the

students from their courses that are testing to each remember a small number

of questions in a specific range and to write that group of questions down

as soon as they get out of the testing area. These are then returned to the

coordinator who compiles them into the type of document that is now floating

around. After several rounds of this, the coordinator has a test bank

similar to the one used to create the real tests and can drill students in

the correct answers ad nauseum. Some of us have warned TDH regional offices

about this for years but, try as they might, they haven't been able to catch

them. This partially explains how some really crummy schools end up with

such good statistics...THEY CHEAT! How you put a stop to this practice, I

can't imagine, short of doing a memory wipe on each candidate after they

take the test. Please, please, please! Make an example of the coordinators

and instructors that are involved in this latest episode.

Dave

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

> I don't know if my first message made it to the list or not, but here

> it is again.

>

> The state test is kept under lock and key at all times. What is

> circulating among the ranks out there is a compilation of questions

> and answers from the state test and not an actual copy of the state

> test that is given at the test sites. I will not go into details on

> how they got these questions and answers, but I will say that we are

> aggressively looking into the matter and we will find the person(s)

> involved. This is a violation of the EMS rules and will not be

> tolerated.

>

> If you have any information as to people who may have this copy or

> copies please feel free to give me a call at or email me

> privately, but please do not email the list with the information. I

> would prefer a phone call so that no accidental slip of the mouse

> occurs and the whole world see's your information. All information

> gained during this investigation will remain confidential.

>

> The people who have already taken the state exam prior to the exam

> being called off will not have to take the exam over again. The exam

> for EMT-P's will resume as soon as possible.

>

> Thanks Chris

>

>

>

> > It has always been my understanding that these tests were kept

> under lock

> > and key at all time. How did copies of these test get out? I know

> that

> > it's hard to even remember what was on the test when someone ask

> you about

> > it after taking in.

> >

> > Just wondering.

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> @Backup- Protect and Access your data any time, any where on the net.

> Try @Backup FREE and recieve 300 points from mypoints.com Install now:

> http://click./1/2345/4/_/4981/_/954942558/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Dave, and others:

You ask " how do you put a stop to this practice. " ly, my friend, the

way to put a stop to the unethical and immoral practice is to report those

coordinators that are suspect in your mind. You say that you know of some

who will remain nameless. Perhaps this forum is not the place to name names.

However, there IS a proper forum and I would urge you and others to preserve

the confidentiality of the exams by reporting those who act to breach it!

And remember-- those that have cheated to pass the exam will be out there

tomorrow trying to save you, your family and your friends!

I remember questions from exams and try to recall them after an exam NOT to

share them but to lookup the answers after the exam. This gives me a gauge

of how I think I did.

If you know of those that are guilty, then it is, I believe, incumbent upon

you to do your duty and be part of the solution-- not allow others to

continue to add to the problem. I believe that this goes for everyone!

Take care!

Brad Woodall, R.N.

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

>

>

> > I don't know if my first message made it to the list or not, but here

> > it is again.

> >

> > The state test is kept under lock and key at all times. What is

> > circulating among the ranks out there is a compilation of questions

> > and answers from the state test and not an actual copy of the state

> > test that is given at the test sites. I will not go into details on

> > how they got these questions and answers, but I will say that we are

> > aggressively looking into the matter and we will find the person(s)

> > involved. This is a violation of the EMS rules and will not be

> > tolerated.

> >

> > If you have any information as to people who may have this copy or

> > copies please feel free to give me a call at or email me

> > privately, but please do not email the list with the information. I

> > would prefer a phone call so that no accidental slip of the mouse

> > occurs and the whole world see's your information. All information

> > gained during this investigation will remain confidential.

> >

> > The people who have already taken the state exam prior to the exam

> > being called off will not have to take the exam over again. The exam

> > for EMT-P's will resume as soon as possible.

> >

> > Thanks Chris

> >

> >

> >

> > > It has always been my understanding that these tests were kept

> > under lock

> > > and key at all time. How did copies of these test get out? I know

> > that

> > > it's hard to even remember what was on the test when someone ask

> > you about

> > > it after taking in.

> > >

> > > Just wondering.

> >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > @Backup- Protect and Access your data any time, any where on the net.

> > Try @Backup FREE and recieve 300 points from mypoints.com Install now:

> > http://click./1/2345/4/_/4981/_/954942558/

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

> >

> >

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[Guest guest]

I believe this is one of the basis for pass/fail computer-based testing. It randomly generates enough questions until the student passes each section. It is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high school where a 60 would mean you " passed " but is more sophisticated in covering all relevant subjects and requiring a " pass " in each category.

Any thoughts?

Melody Malouf

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> Several schools I could, but won't, mention by name, prearrange for the

> students from their courses that are testing to each remember a small

number

> of questions in a specific range and to write that group of questions down

> as soon as they get out of the testing area. These are then returned to

the

> coordinator who compiles them into the type of document that is now

floating

> around. After several rounds of this, the coordinator has a test bank

> similar to the one used to create the real tests and can drill students in

> the correct answers ad nauseum.

[Guest guest]

On Wed, 05 Apr 2000 12:34:13 -0500 " m & m's " writes:

>

> I believe this is one of the basis for pass/fail computer-based

> testing. It

The type test you are talking about is being used for the Certified

Emergency Nurse and Certified Flight Registered Nurse tests. I found them

to be a fair judge of competency in both cases. Another nice thing about

this testing method is you can go into a commercial testing center and

take them on your schedule (pre-arranged, of course, so the software is

at the testing site).

Also, there is very good test integrity and security.

No slight on TDH intended; things happen, and those who would rather beat

the system instead of investing the time in study deserve whatever they

have coming to them. Would you like them taking care of YOUR family?

" Leadership is action, not position "

Larry

Certified Flight RN..and some other stuff

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[Guest guest]

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED That sounds like a good

idea. If a computer generates random questions (say program them with the

entire series of tests), but only allow a certain number to be displayed at

random, with no duplicates, that might cut down on some of the cheating.

It is sad to know that this is the only method for some to pass their EMT-P

exam. Just think the ones who could not cut it the right way cheated on the

test, and will be working on YOUR FAMILY. Encouraging thought, huh?

Jay

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

I believe this is one of the basis for pass/fail computer-based testing. It

randomly generates enough questions until the student passes each section. It

is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high school where a 60 would mean

you " passed " but is more sophisticated in covering all relevant subjects and

requiring a " pass " in each category.

Any thoughts?

Melody Malouf

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> Several schools I could, but won't, mention by name, prearrange for the

> students from their courses that are testing to each remember a small

number

> of questions in a specific range and to write that group of questions down

> as soon as they get out of the testing area. These are then returned to

the

> coordinator who compiles them into the type of document that is now

floating

> around. After several rounds of this, the coordinator has a test bank

> similar to the one used to create the real tests and can drill students in

> the correct answers ad nauseum.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Jay-- and others:

That is how the NCLEX-RN State Board of Nurses Exam is administered. There

are 3000 test questions in the " bank " and the computer selects each question

for the candidate. You may get anywhere from 75 questions to 225 questions

from the 3000. There is more to it than that. At any rate, they are

administered at Sylvan Technology Centers and you can take the exam any day

except Sunday. It is pretty convenient and just about " cheat " proof!

Anyone interested in more info (not that I am an expert), feel free to give

me a jingle!

Brad Woodall, R.N.

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

>

>

>

>

> I believe this is one of the basis for pass/fail computer-based

testing. It randomly generates enough questions until the student passes

each section. It is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high

school where a 60 would mean you " passed " but is more sophisticated in

covering all relevant subjects and requiring a " pass " in each category.

> Any thoughts?

>

> Melody Malouf

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> > Several schools I could, but won't, mention by name, prearrange for

the

> > students from their courses that are testing to each remember a

small

> number

> > of questions in a specific range and to write that group of

questions down

> > as soon as they get out of the testing area. These are then returned

to

> the

> > coordinator who compiles them into the type of document that is now

> floating

> > around. After several rounds of this, the coordinator has a test

bank

> > similar to the one used to create the real tests and can drill

students in

>

> > the correct answers ad nauseum.

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

>

>

>

> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Brad:

You are absolutely right. The only reason I specified that I wouldn't name

names is because my personal experience with these people happened over four

years and more back (although it still goes on) and was duly reported at

that time. Just like in any other arena, the health department folks have to

have something more than an accusation to go on and were not able to obtain

proof to corraborate what I and a couple of others warned them of. I know it

wasn't for want of trying. You are right that there is a forum for this and

its time we started using it. It seems clear to me that we have a few

coordinators too many out there and that there seem to be some ripe

candidates for excision. One thing is for sure, this ain't a' gonna look

good to the national EMS community.

Dave

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

> >

> >

> > > I don't know if my first message made it to the list or not, but here

> > > it is again.

> > >

> > > The state test is kept under lock and key at all times. What is

> > > circulating among the ranks out there is a compilation of questions

> > > and answers from the state test and not an actual copy of the state

> > > test that is given at the test sites. I will not go into details on

> > > how they got these questions and answers, but I will say that we are

> > > aggressively looking into the matter and we will find the person(s)

> > > involved. This is a violation of the EMS rules and will not be

> > > tolerated.

> > >

> > > If you have any information as to people who may have this copy or

> > > copies please feel free to give me a call at or email me

> > > privately, but please do not email the list with the information. I

> > > would prefer a phone call so that no accidental slip of the mouse

> > > occurs and the whole world see's your information. All information

> > > gained during this investigation will remain confidential.

> > >

> > > The people who have already taken the state exam prior to the exam

> > > being called off will not have to take the exam over again. The exam

> > > for EMT-P's will resume as soon as possible.

> > >

> > > Thanks Chris

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > > It has always been my understanding that these tests were kept

> > > under lock

> > > > and key at all time. How did copies of these test get out? I know

> > > that

> > > > it's hard to even remember what was on the test when someone ask

> > > you about

> > > > it after taking in.

> > > >

> > > > Just wondering.

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > > @Backup- Protect and Access your data any time, any where on the net.

> > > Try @Backup FREE and recieve 300 points from mypoints.com Install now:

> > > http://click./1/2345/4/_/4981/_/954942558/

> >

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > Save up to 57% on Electronics!

> > Find incredible deals on overstocked items with Free shipping!

> > http://click./1/2710/4/_/4981/_/954950885/

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

> >

>

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

> Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

> Install today:

> http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954952707/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 4/5/2000 12:36:20 PM Central Daylight Time, malouf@...

writes:

AMEN, Melody. We have been using computer based testing at TJC for 2 1/2

years for some of our programs with wonderful success. I am anxiously

awaiting this development at the state level.....

Jane Hill

<< I believe this is one of the basis for pass/fail computer-based testing.

It

randomly generates enough questions until the student passes each section.

It is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high school where a 60

would mean you " passed " but is more sophisticated in covering all relevant

subjects and requiring a " pass " in each category.

Any thoughts?

Melody Malouf >>

[Guest guest]

I guess I'm getting too old! When I was in high school 60 meant you failed!

70 or above--you passed. 69 or below--you failed. No ifs, ands, or buts,

and not open for discussion.

Maxine

In a message dated 04/05/00 12:36:29 PM Central Daylight Time, malouf@...

writes:

<< It is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high school where a 60

would mean you " passed " >>

[Guest guest]

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED No, Melody, we don't

want to go there! You can't go back and change an answer if you remember the

correct answer, and you can't skip a question and come back to it later!

Although we will probably have this type of testing at some point, we don't want

it before we have to!

Take care, stay safe, and practice mercy, ya'll!!

Jana

FW,TX

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

I believe this is one of the basis for pass/fail computer-based testing. It

randomly generates enough questions until the student passes each section. It

is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high school where a 60 would mean

you " passed " but is more sophisticated in covering all relevant subjects and

requiring a " pass " in each category.

Any thoughts?

Melody Malouf

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

> Several schools I could, but won't, mention by name, prearrange for the

> students from their courses that are testing to each remember a small

number

> of questions in a specific range and to write that group of questions down

> as soon as they get out of the testing area. These are then returned to

the

> coordinator who compiles them into the type of document that is now

floating

> around. After several rounds of this, the coordinator has a test bank

> similar to the one used to create the real tests and can drill students in

> the correct answers ad nauseum.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

I know that I am not old.....but the way I remember it was

90-100 " A "

80-89 " B "

70-79 " C "

60-69 " D "

59 and below " F "

Chambers, LP

lpate@... wrote:

> I guess I'm getting too old! When I was in high school 60 meant you failed!

> 70 or above--you passed. 69 or below--you failed. No ifs, ands, or buts,

> and not open for discussion.

>

> Maxine

>

> In a message dated 04/05/00 12:36:29 PM Central Daylight Time, malouf@...

> writes:

>

> << It is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high school where a 60

> would mean you " passed " >>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Save 75% on Products!

> Find incredible deals on overstocked items with Free shipping!

> http://click./1/2711/4/_/4981/_/954992359/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Jana Leigh:

I know this is one of the major complaints of this method. It seems it

would be relatively simple to program the testing process with a " skip "

response and then a way to bring them back up in the end or to " flag " them

for review.

Either way, everyone is in the same boat and the test would be weighted

accordingly. I did not say I was necessary for this method, just that it

is a basis for it.

Melody

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED No, Melody, we don't

want to go there! You can't go back and change an answer if you remember

the correct answer, and you can't skip a question and come back to it later!

Although we will probably have this type of testing at some point, we don't

want it before we have to!

Take care, stay safe, and practice mercy, ya'll!!

Jana

FW,TX

-

[Guest guest]

That's the way it was broken down when I was in school, too, and both " D " and

" F " were considered failing.

Maxine

In a message dated 04/06/00 12:33:45 AM Central Daylight Time,

achamb@... writes:

<< I know that I am not old.....but the way I remember it was

90-100 " A "

80-89 " B "

70-79 " C "

60-69 " D "

59 and below " F "

Chambers, LP >>

[Guest guest]

Interestingly, the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer exams, administered

at Sylvan, allow for this. You can flag responses, and within your time

limit, go back and review/change answers.

Mike

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

Jana Leigh:

I know this is one of the major complaints of this method. It seems it

would be relatively simple to program the testing process with a " skip "

response and then a way to bring them back up in the end or to " flag " them

for review.

Either way, everyone is in the same boat and the test would be weighted

accordingly. I did not say I was necessary for this method, just that it

is a basis for it.

Melody

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED No, Melody, we don't

want to go there! You can't go back and change an answer if you remember

the correct answer, and you can't skip a question and come back to it later!

Although we will probably have this type of testing at some point, we don't

want it before we have to!

Take care, stay safe, and practice mercy, ya'll!!

Jana

FW,TX

-

[Guest guest]

C has traditionally been considered " average " . A grade of 70 means someone

is right on the border between average and below average. Do you really want

to trust the well-being of your family to someone whose knowledge falls on

that dubious border? I sure don't. That is why any of my EMT students with a

grade below 75 failed and my paramedics below 80 failed. We owe our first

loyalties to the citizens of our state and then to our profession. Our

loyalty to our students comes third.

Dave

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

> I know that I am not old.....but the way I remember it was

>

> 90-100 " A "

> 80-89 " B "

> 70-79 " C "

> 60-69 " D "

> 59 and below " F "

>

> Chambers, LP

>

> lpate@... wrote:

>

> > I guess I'm getting too old! When I was in high school 60 meant you

failed!

> > 70 or above--you passed. 69 or below--you failed. No ifs, ands, or

buts,

> > and not open for discussion.

> >

> > Maxine

> >

> > In a message dated 04/05/00 12:36:29 PM Central Daylight Time,

malouf@...

> > writes:

> >

> > << It is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high school where a

60

> > would mean you " passed " >>

> >

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> > Save 75% on Products!

> > Find incredible deals on overstocked items with Free shipping!

> > http://click./1/2711/4/_/4981/_/954992359/

> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

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> Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

> Install today:

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> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Not as old as those of us who found out that anything below 70 was failing.

Ernie

At 12:30 AM 4/6/00 -0500, you wrote:

>I know that I am not old.....but the way I remember it was

>

>90-100 " A "

>80-89 " B "

>70-79 " C "

>60-69 " D "

>59 and below " F "

>

> Chambers, LP

>

>lpate@... wrote:

>

>> I guess I'm getting too old! When I was in high school 60 meant you failed!

>> 70 or above--you passed. 69 or below--you failed. No ifs, ands, or buts,

>> and not open for discussion.

>>

>> Maxine

>>

>> In a message dated 04/05/00 12:36:29 PM Central Daylight Time,

malouf@...

>> writes:

>>

>> << It is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high school where a 60

>> would mean you " passed " >>

>>

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>> Save 75% on Products!

>> Find incredible deals on overstocked items with Free shipping!

>> http://click./1/2711/4/_/4981/_/954992359/

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

>Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

>Install today:

>http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954999049/

>------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

[Guest guest]

When I taught, I set the bar on the pass/fall standard at 85% instead of

70%. The reason being that, with my current karmic status, if I were

injured or acutely ill, it would be with something in the lower 15% of what

that student didn't know. Setting the bar this high now makes me a partner

in the students' learning process. It is my job to educate the students to

that level. If the class fails a test, I have failed them in my role as an

educator. The key word here is EDUCATE. Teaching them to respond to a test

question in a knee-jerk fashion can lead to pt. death, further

complications, and early burn-out in the real world of EMS. Critical

thinking and education; not memorization and rote memory tricks are what

leads to a successful career, and a good night's sleep after a difficult

shift.

Surprisingly enough, the harder the classes and the more difficult the

challenge, most of the students rose to the challenge and passed.

Case in point. I taught a group of unit-secretaries a dysrhythmia course so

they could become monitor techs. They had to pass at the 85% level. This

went against the education gods at the local hospital where I taught the

class. The gods taught a dysrhythmia course to a group of nurses at the

same time at the pass/fail level of 75%. Six months later on the competency

review tests, uniformly, the unit-secretaries scored 25% higher than the

nurses. Expect more from your students and they will deliver the goods.

Stay safe

Jim Easley

Re: TEXAS PARAMEDIC EXAMS HALTED

>

> Not as old as those of us who found out that anything below 70 was

failing.

> Ernie

> At 12:30 AM 4/6/00 -0500, you wrote:

> >I know that I am not old.....but the way I remember it was

> >

> >90-100 " A "

> >80-89 " B "

> >70-79 " C "

> >60-69 " D "

> >59 and below " F "

> >

> > Chambers, LP

> >

> >lpate@... wrote:

> >

> >> I guess I'm getting too old! When I was in high school 60 meant you

failed!

> >> 70 or above--you passed. 69 or below--you failed. No ifs, ands, or

buts,

> >> and not open for discussion.

> >>

> >> Maxine

> >>

> >> In a message dated 04/05/00 12:36:29 PM Central Daylight Time,

> malouf@...

> >> writes:

> >>

> >> << It is not like a pass/fail grade that we took in high school where

a 60

> >> would mean you " passed " >>

> >>

>

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >> Save 75% on Products!

> >> Find incredible deals on overstocked items with Free shipping!

> >> http://click./1/2711/4/_/4981/_/954992359/

>

>> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

> >

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

> >Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

> >Install today:

> >http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/954999049/

> >------------------------------------------------------------------------

> >

>

>

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Special Offer-Earn 300 Points from MyPoints.com for trying @Backup

> Get automatic protection and access to your important computer files.

> Install today:

> http://click./1/2344/4/_/4981/_/955038281/

> ------------------------------------------------------------------------

>

>

>